Siege of Berwick (1333)

The siege of Berwick lasted four months in 1333 and resulted in the Scottish-held town of Berwick-upon-Tweed being captured by an English army commanded by King Edward III (r. 1327–1377). The year before, Edward Balliol had seized the Scottish Crown, surreptitiously supported by Edward III. He was shortly thereafter expelled from the kingdom by a popular uprising. Edward III used this as a casus belli and invaded Scotland. The immediate target was the strategically important border town of Berwick. An advance force laid siege to the town in March. Edward III and the main English army joined it in May and pressed the attack. A large Scottish army advanced to relieve the town. After unsuccessfully manoeuvring for position and knowing that Berwick was on the verge of surrender, the Scots felt compelled to attack the English at Halidon Hill on 19 July. The Scots suffered a crushing defeat, and Berwick surrendered on terms the next day. Balliol was reinstalled as king of Scotland after ceding a large part of his territory to Edward III and agreeing to do homage for the balance.

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38 m

Collette Hoard

The Collette Hoard was found in fields near Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, England by metal detectorist John Minns in April 2005. The hoard is named after Collette, the eight-year-old daughter of Minns, rather than the location it was found at, in order to keep the find location secret. The hoard included six gold lock rings, believed to have been hair decorations, as well as bracelets, rings and pins and also six socketed axes which could have been used either for woodworking or as weapons, and the first socketed gouge – a tool which would have been used by craftsmen – to be found in Northumberland.

Historic Site Landmark

Siege of Berwick (1318)

The siege of Berwick was an event in the First War of Scottish Independence which took place in April 1318. Sir James Douglas, Lord of Douglas took the town and castle of Berwick-upon-Tweed from the English, who had controlled the town since 1296.

Historic Site Landmark

Shaws Lane Chapel

Shaws Lane Relief Chapel in Berwick upon Tweed was founded in 1756 by a Presbyterian group seceding from the Low Meeting House in Hide Hill. The Congregation were of the Church of Scotland but preferred to choose their own Minister and so they pooled what money they had or could raise in order to fund its construction. The Relief Capel is situated between the High Street and Shaws Lane near the eastern extremity of Shaws Lane.

Church Landmark

Berwick Infirmary

Berwick Infirmary is a community hospital in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, England. It is managed by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Hospital